The White House decorations this year embrace Melania Trump’s theme, “Home Is Where the Heart Is.” She revealed the festive design as her family celebrates their first Christmas back in the Executive Mansion. The theme honors American tradition and also nods to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It blends history, symbolism and heartfelt meaning into every detail.
Dozens of volunteers from around the nation helped transform the mansion. They placed 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, more than 700 feet of garland and thousands of ornaments. They also used over 25,000 feet of ribbon and 2,800 gold stars. More than 10,000 butterflies flutter across the décor. The team even worked with 120 pounds of gingerbread for the traditional gingerbread display. The result reflects enthusiasm, skill and pride.
Adjustments After Construction
This year feels different because President Donald Trump removed the East Wing to create a ballroom he has long desired. The demolition reshaped the layout for holiday tours. The official White House Christmas tree, traditionally displayed in the Blue Room, now honors Gold Star families. It once greeted visitors entering through the East Wing. With the wing gone, the Blue Room centerpiece carries even greater symbolic weight.
Public tours, which paused during construction, resume with a shorter route. The adjusted path includes the State Floor and its main rooms: the East Room; the Green, Blue and Red Rooms; the State Dining Room; the Cross Hall; and the Grand Foyer. The Library and the Vermeil and China Rooms remain closed due to ongoing work. A new semi-permanent walkway guides visitors through the North Portico entrance on Pennsylvania Avenue.
The White House expects tens of thousands of guests this season. These visitors will see a message of unity and gratitude woven throughout the theme. A statement from the White House emphasized that Christmas celebrates what makes the country exceptional. It reminded Americans that simple acts of kindness build community and keep the nation’s spirit strong.
Honoring Military Families
Melania Trump also focused on supporting military families. She joined Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, at Joint Base Andrews. They met military spouses and worked with them to assemble care packages filled with snacks and handwritten holiday cards. This effort supports deployed service members through a Red Cross initiative.
The first lady highlighted the resilience of military spouses. She acknowledged that their strength often goes unnoticed. She also emphasized the importance of honoring those who hold families together while loved ones serve abroad. Her remarks added a personal touch to a season already centered on remembrance and gratitude.
A Look Inside the State Floor
Holiday touches fill every room along the State Floor. The design blends patriotic themes, family traditions and creative artistry. Together they create a warm, immersive experience for visitors.
In the East Room, trees shine in red, white and blue. Golden eagle toppers and national symbols remind visitors of next year’s America250 celebration. The blend of colors sets a bold and festive tone.
The iconic Blue Room tree glows with gold stars that honor families who lost loved ones in active-duty service. This year’s ornaments showcase the official bird and flower of each state and territory. The display reinforces the tree’s role as a tribute to unity and sacrifice.
The Green Room celebrates the joy of family fun. It features two portraits made from more than 6,000 Lego pieces each—one of George Washington and one of President Donald Trump. These creative mosaics spark curiosity and draw attention from children and adults alike.
Thousands of blue butterflies fill the Red Room. They surround a tree dedicated to young people and Melania Trump’s Fostering the Future initiative. The butterflies symbolize hope, growth and transformation. The theme aligns with her Be Best program to support youth who have experienced foster care.
Gingerbread Masterpiece and Historic Displays
One of the most anticipated elements each year is the gingerbread White House. This season’s creation sits in the State Dining Room. It highlights the mansion’s South Portico and even reveals a glimpse into the Yellow Oval Room on the second floor. The detailed piece uses 120 pounds of gingerbread, 100 pounds of pastillage, more than 10 pounds of chocolate and 5 pounds of royal icing. Skilled craftsmanship turns these ingredients into a striking, edible work of art.
Nearby, part of the White House creche decorates the Grand Foyer. The rest remains under restoration by the curator’s office. Even during renovation, the display maintains a sense of tradition that stretches back decades.
A Season of Reflection and Joy
This year’s White House decorations blend meaning, creativity and national pride. They highlight the importance of home, community and shared values. They also honor those who serve the country, both overseas and at home. The theme “Home Is Where the Heart Is” captures the emotional center of the season. It reminds visitors that the holidays connect generations and inspire gratitude.
As tours reopen and guests fill the halls once more, the decorations encourage reflection. They celebrate the nation’s past while looking ahead to its future milestones. Every tree, ribbon and ornament supports the larger message: in moments of joy and challenge alike, the American spirit endures.
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